Conservation of coastal and marine biodiversity in the Western Indian Ocean : progress in the development of a partnership programme for implementing the Jakarta Mandate

The Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region is renowned for the attractiveness of its coastal zones, high marine biodiversity and rich marine and coastal resources, but the 30 million or so people who live on the coast of the WIO region have had a significant impact on its biodiversity. Responses to the crises facing marine and coastal biodiversity in this region have taken place at all levels; the most relevant global instrument is the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and its associated Jakarta Mandate. This report represents an update on progress (from late 2001 to early 2004) in putting the Jakarta Mandate into action in the WIO, in particular, in addressing the issues of habitat degradation and biodiversity loss.